Krusty Joe’s Pizza
Good pizza takes time and fire!
At least once a week, someone asks me why I haven’t written about the many pizza places in Osoyoos and Oliver. I usually give the polite answer: “Oh, I just haven’t had time — but I will soon.”
But that’s a lie.
The truth is, I’m a pizza snob. I’ve been to over 60 countries and eaten pizza on nearly every continent. I know what pizza should taste like — and, at the risk of upsetting a lot of people, there are far more bad pizza places in the South Okanagan than good ones. With that said, I am not here to tell you what you should or shouldn’t like.
We’re told to avoid topics like politics, money, and religion because they lead to heated arguments. Well, pizza belongs on that list too.
If I said “Place A” makes the best pizza in Osoyoos, ten people would tell me “Place A is garbage.” Then those ten would nominate “Place B,” and another ten would swear it’s the worst pizza they’ve ever had.
That’s why, since I started writing these reviews seven months ago, I’ve held off on pizza. I only write about places I’m confident everyone can enjoy. And I’ve been waiting for a pizza place that truly stands out — one I could recommend without hesitation.
And now I can.
Let me introduce you to Krusty Joe’s Pizza.
A mobile pizza trailer typically set up at Gyro Beach in Osoyoos, Krusty Joe’s is the creation of Jesse Jones, who serves up Neapolitan-style pizza the right way — with fire, stone, and serious heat.
I caught up with Jesse on a gorgeous Sunday evening. He explained that “Krusty” comes from his well-earned reputation for incredible crust, and that the name “Krusty Joe’s” is one you won’t easily forget.
Jesse makes all his dough by hand and lets it proof for 24–48 hours, allowing the glutens to develop naturally. The result? A perfectly chewy, flavour-packed crust you won’t be tossing in the box or feeding to the dog.
He uses only locally sourced ingredients, and every pizza is made to order before being baked in his 425°C gas-fired oven. The intense heat and hint of smoke give each pizza a rustic, authentic flavour that’ll instantly transport you to a cozy pizzeria in Italy.
These aren’t commercial, mass-produced pies. Every pizza is a personal, handcrafted creation — a testament to Jesse’s skill, passion, and commitment to quality, all from the back of a trailer.
Now, Jesse will be the first to admit: sometimes it takes up to 30 minutes to get your pizza. He’s a one-man show working with limited oven space, and the demand is high. But once you hear that crackle of flame-baked dough and take that first satisfying bite, you’ll understand why it’s worth the wait.
Jesse doesn’t just build pizzas — he builds layers of flavour. No one-note slices here. Each bite is complex, balanced, and better than the last.
Krusty Joe’s offers a full range of toppings and styles, but the most popular choice is Krusty’s Dream — made with Jesse’s signature sauce, Parmesan, pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, olives, green peppers, red onions, and a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil.
Jesse’s personal favourite? The Joe’s Hawaiian. Yes, pineapple — a move that sends traditionalists into a rage. But Jesse and I agree: If it tastes good, eat it. Australians put beets on burgers. Brazilians put avocado in ice cream. Why can’t pineapple be on pizza? And if you don’t like it — don’t order it. Simple as that.
He’s also excited to announce that Krusty Joe’s will now be slinging slices late into the night at The Owl Pub, open Fridays and Saturdays until 2 a.m. — finally giving Osoyoos a solid post-10pm food option. You can even call ahead and place an order if you’re in a rush.
So next time your family is arguing over where to get pizza, or your visiting Italian grandmother threatens to disown you if you bring home something from a chain — skip the drama and order from Jesse at Krusty Joe’s.
If you like flame-baked, Italian-style pizza made by someone who genuinely cares about the craft, I can’t imagine you’ll be disappointed.
Tell Jesse that Sheldon sent you.
Krusty Joe’s Pizza is at Gyro Beach, Osoyoos – Wednesday to Sunday, 5 p.m. –10 p.m. and The Owl Pub – Friday & Saturday, 10 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. Pre-order at 778-908-4951 or find them on Facebook: @KrustyJoesPizza
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Sheldon Herman is the author of the award-winning, international best-selling book The Tortured Traveller: How I Survived the Worst Vacation Ever, and has eaten his way through over 60 countries. This review was written independently and without compensation. Have a restaurant you’d like featured? Email [email protected].
